Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
Hi My name is Drew Piercey, originally from Saint Neots and now living in County Durham. I’ve always wanted to write children’s books, but never thought this to be achievable. I put the dream away until 2 years ago when I was having problems with my mental health. I decided to enjoy life more and change the way I perceived myself and the world around me. My nephew is obsessed with dinosaurs, and I love to rhyme, so I made a book about them and thought this ‘This isn’t awful’. So I decided to go for it. I want my books to be enjoyed as any author does, but the key for me is getting them away from computer screens. This is more in the sense of moderation as it would be hypocritical of me otherwise. I also hope to inspire future artists, whether that be in the writing or Toria Ashplant’s wonderful illustrations.
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Chewie The Pup”?
My inspiration was mainly from my puppy Chewbacca. He inspired the story and I saw it as a great way to teach key values in a short, yet sweet rhyming style that would both hold the readers attention and help the lesson to be taught.
Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?
When I was in year 6 at school we had a competition. This was to write a poem and have it published. My poem was chosen among others but I remember this being the first time I was truly proud of myself. I loved that feeling and it stuck with me. I’m glad I finally found the courage to do so.
Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?
My original book ‘My Rhyming Adventure: Dinosaurs’ is now being published (After initially self-publishing) and should be out soon. Chewie the pup will also return.
Q5. For which age group your books are suitable?
I would say Chewie the pup is from 3 to 6 years old but I’m new to the game and have no children of my own…… So what do I know!
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
“There is no success without failure”
Q7. What do you like the most about your country?
Not sure. I guess in the world we live in, it’s certainly better to be in a more enlightened country however there’s still many steps to go before the united kingdom becomes the ideal fully inclusive place it should be.
Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
I mean I’m no parent so I’ll just say directly to the reader “You are great, keep it up”.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
People reading my books or creating their own if they think they can do better.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
This is a hard question. One that I don’t have a clear answer for. I would say everyone. Its easy to see the world only through your own eyes and assume you’re in the center of it. But everyday we see videos on our phones of people doing wonderful things. Everyday I’m reminded that there is good in the world.
Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
My name is Pamela Rae Hughey, you can call me Pam. I’m a wife, mother of two, and Family Nurse Practitioner. I’m passionate about all things health including spiritual and emotional health.
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Gone But Never Forgotten”?
Well, I was inspired by a couple of things. First, my children and their many questions about their grandmother who has passed away. Secondly, the state of our world and all the wonderful people we have lost over the past 2 years. It’s been hard to understand not only for the adults but for our curious children as well.
Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?
I would say it’s always been a distant dream, but I never acted upon it until having children myself. We read so many books and have so many of our own adventures. It just started to become easy to create stories around their activities.
Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?
Not a picture book but a coloring book is in the works!
Q5. For which age group your books are suitable?
Ages 3-6
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
I have a few but this one helps me stay motivated. “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today”. -H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Q7. What do you like the most about your country?
I appreciate the different cultures, diversity, and freedom.
Q8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
I would say just try to read something to them every day. Even if it’s telling stories from memorization like “the 3 little pigs” before naptime. This time will be so special to the kids and help build their little imaginations.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
Being forth book content that encourages mental, physical, and emotional growth and support for all ages as we all travel this road called life.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
My mother. She is always pushing forward no matter what obstacles come her way.
Dead People is the first book that I have read penned by the author Douglas Rappaport. When the Stringfellows came to earth twenty years ago, the planet was a dead place with no living organisms. When the Stringfellows first arrived, not everyone was brought back. Stringfellows randomly chose which people to bring back to life.
In the new world, people were awarded Good Samaritan points. These GS points are made up of kill points and karma points. Mild McMahon wants to bring back his mother. To do this, he has to earn kill points. Points are from 1-8 and even McMahon didn’t have any idea how it was decided how many points they would get. McMahon needs to take care of assignments to earn more points. But he wants a coffee first because of which he stopped at The Alligator, a coffee shop in Brooklyn.
Writing style of the author is nice. Language used in the book is lucid. The world building is something that I really appreciate. I enjoyed reading about the Stringfellows and the new world. Characters are interesting and well written. Douglas’ work is detailed. I am glad to get my hands on this book. Go ahead with it without any second thoughts.
“V-virus Infected 1” penned by the author Jacky Dahlhaus is an interesting read. Story is set during Black October 2004. Normal humans were bitten by the infected and they then acted like vampires. If the vampires don’t drain humans completely and humans survive the attack then they become infected.
Kate has recently gotten a job as a science teacher in Bullsbrook. Sue, Charlie and Kate are the three new teachers at the Bullsbrook high school. When they heard that the threat may reach Bullsbrook soon, all three of them visited the campground to hide there. Kate hopes the infected stay on the main road and pass them by. But will it happen like that?
Writing style of the author is nice. Cover photo is well designed. I appreciate the author’s imagination skills for world building in this book. Characters are well written. The story kept me on the edge while I was reading it. Pace of the story is fine and I enjoyed every bit of this story.
Those who love to read vampire apocalypse sci-fi thrillers should get their hands on this book.
Lady Lavender is the debut novel of the author W M Walters. Dahlia is a fae. Once she had a loving family but now she is at Fiore’s. Fiore owned an Edwardian home. Dahlia and Mira are the eldest of Fiore’s girls. Dahlia is a fae and her blood is useful to many creatures like vampires, witches, werewolves, etc. These days faes are rare and Dahlia is protected and safe under Fiore’s roof.
One day, Dahlia caught Mira with a milkman Sherman Pike. Mira is not happy to be treated as a child at Fiore. She wanted a man’s love and wanted to be like a woman. She even told Dahlia that Fiore is using her and she should also leave from here. As the story progresses, Dahlia got into trouble as she was also kidnapped. Read this story to find out will Dahlia be able to rescue herself and her house sister?
The story involves many different creatures. I enjoyed reading it. Pace of the story picks up after a few pages. This book is written in a lucid language and I was able to follow the author’s narration easily. Characters are interesting and well written. Those who enjoy reading stories involving different paranormal creatures would enjoy this one.
Branded is a Young Adult fantasy novel penned by the author Joseph T Humphrey. This is the first installment in ‘The Forgotten Series’.
Main character of the story is a high school kid named Henry Murphy. When Henry was born, his parents had to enter another realm to save their lives. Henry’s parents Thom and Dawn entered the new realm and mixed up with others to live a normal life. After years, Henry is a senior at Middleton High. Charley is an orphan girl and is a friend of Henry at the school.
Once when Henry was in the classroom, he saw a hall monitor in a blue vest taking Rachel out of the classroom. But when Henry checked with others, they all said nothing like that happened. Henry even told his parents about it. Read this story to know what happens next. What challenges Henry might have to face?
This is a wonderful story. Plot of the story is interesting. Cover photo is eye-catching and the language used in the book is lucid. Pace of the story is fast and I wasn’t bored anytime while reading it. Those who enjoy reading fantasy stories shouldn’t miss to get their hands on this book.
Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
My name is Marie Ballif. I homeschool my four children and I love to teach. I am married to my best friend. I love learning, reading, influencing and helping children learn to love themselves.
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “THE FLYING WARTHOG: A Modern-Day Parable”?
My inspiration for this book is the feelings that, I believe, every one of us experiences at some point. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but I think by doing so, we miss the beauty and individuality of ourselves. I want anybody who reads my book to love themselves a little more when they are done.
Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?
I have always loved to write. I wrote short stories all through grade school, poetry and songs through high school. Once I had my first child, I knew that I wanted to actually write and publish books.
Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?
Yes! I am very excited! I am working on my next book and hope to have it released in the next 4-6 months!
Q5. For which age group your books are suitable?
Truthfully, I like to think that my book is suitable for all ages because all of us need a bit of love and encouragement at some point. But, If I have to be specific, I’d say age 5-10.
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
It is difficult to choose just one quote, but I will try.
“A child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.” -Pablo Casals
Q7. What do you like the most about your country?
The beauty and the people.
Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
My suggestion is start. Just start reading to them and allowing them time to read.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success to me is an impactful book in the hand of every child so that children can love themselves and love others.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
My family. My husband is so supportive and encouraging. My children whom, I write books for and about. My parents.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Annabel Harz. I’m a career teacher, burgeoning editor and emerging writer. I am Australian and have lived (and worked) around Australia and overseas. I live in the country because I love the lifestyle.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your ‘Journey’ books?
Definitely the biggest challenge in publishing both my books was facing my past: as I wrote in the Preface of Journey into the Shadow and the Sunshine, ‘Do I really want to peer into the most difficult times of my life again, to pry them open for public view?’
These works are autobiographical, therefore, publishing them puts my vulnerability openly in public view and this can be uncomfortable and confronting. Gradually, through the publishing process — especially during the editing — each poem transforms from ‘purely raw emotion’ to ‘ready for the public’, which makes it easier for me to release to the world.
I would like to reassure readers that my books have happy endings! In addition to the poems about being broken and lost, there are plenty of positive poems about strength, resilience and happiness (one reviewer described them as ‘beautiful love poems’).
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
It’s hard to name one author or book which has influenced my writing: I am always reading, and I read widely, across genres: I gain something from every title, so am influenced by every book and every author I read.
The authors which influence my own writing the most are those whose writing challenges my thinking and broadens my perspectives: I relish books which show me new ways of being, and (for fiction) have unexpected twists and turns which I can’t predict. Perennials are Kathy Lette, Ben Elton, Paulo Coelho; two new authors I have recently discovered are Claire Ishi Ayetoro and S.M. Stevens: stunning work!
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Gosh, that’s a hard one! There are infinite beautiful places in Australia, which are highly varied: we have fragrant eucalypt forests, humid temperate and tropical rainforest, stunning coastlines, heavenly mountains, sandy desert and sparsely vegetated semi-desert … I guess my favourite spots to visit are where I feel at peace, and that includes anywhere in nature. I’m especially fond of places I have lived in, where I have seen the land in different seasons. Another favourite spot to visit is my family, which is strictly not one single place, although it acts as a landscape in my heart: my connection to family is strong and I am uplifted when I share time and place with them.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Definitely! For me the planning process very much involves readying myself to put my work out on public view, especially as the content is very personal. I take time over the format and layout, which informs my decisions about what to include overall: this process of sifting the content continues into the editing process, where I have removed poems that niggle (alerting me to that they don’t quite fit) fairly late in the process, when much of the book feels complete.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your ‘Journey’ books?
Both my books contain poetry and pictures which illustrate my journey from depression to wellness as a teenager-young adult, so the content is largely from that era.
It therefore took me ‘decades’ and ‘a year’ to write each one. Once I had put the content together, the actual publishing process was inside a year.
Q7. On what platforms can readers find your books to buy?
My books are available in physical bookstores and online, from the following places: INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES (Print) The Book Wolf, Maldon, Vic Torquay Books, Torquay, Vic Lorne Books, Lorne, Vic Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard, Ballarat, Vic Everybody Knows Books, Ballarat, Vic The Independent Bookstore, Ballarat, Vic
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?
I published Journey into the Dark and the Light in 2017. Given that Journey into the Shadow and the Sunshine focuses on the same topic, this book deserved a similar title. Both books take the reader on a journey, from the depths of depression to the positivity of wellness, so putting Journey into the title was an easy decision to make. To create the remainder of the titles I followed my heart, ensuring that both the sad and glad experiences of the content were reflected. The audience vicariously experiences both sides of the yin-yang symbol on the covers and I wanted to portray this duality in my titles. The artwork for the cover took some consideration: for both books, I wanted to use an original piece, to allow the audience to easily predict what to expect from the inside content. It was a matter of deciding what would be attention-grabbing, interest-piquing and, above all, relevant to all sections of the book. The torn-paper look was created by the design team at Balboa Press. I was enchanted when I received the first draft of Journey into the Dark and the Light. The cover showed my artwork while withholding some of it, it wasn’t a full reveal – mirroring the mystique of many of the poems and pictures within. It fitted so well, stylistically, that I requested the same look for Journey into the Shadow and the Sunshine. When something is perfect, why change it?
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I keep things fresh by judging each item on its own. Each and every poem must earn its place within its section (alongside nine other poems), and within the overall book. I apply the same scrutiny to my artwork: I strive to provide a variety of artwork styles for the audience.
During the editing phase I ‘read as a reader’: I approach each poem and picture as an outsider who has no prior knowledge of my story. This enables me to work out which text needs more clues to be understood, as well as sorting out what doesn’t contribute to the collection as a whole. I tweak individual poems at line-level, ensuring that every word value-adds; I evaluate the match of each picture to its poem; I rearrange the order until it works. Each item must therefore stand on its own as well as enhancing the whole, and if it’s not … it’s discarded.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
There aren’t really any secrets in my book: the strength of my poetry and artwork is that it is raw and honest, it displays my vulnerability openly. This aspect of my work can make it challenging to consume, as there is really no place for me as the author or the reader to hide from the unsettling brutality that a condition like depression engenders; yet as it is ultimately cathartic to see how far I have come, it is also inspiring (to quote multiple reviewers). I am glad to provide happy endings in my books, mirroring my life: I have overcome my depression and can now appreciate the multitude of joys that life has to offer.
There comes a time in life when we feel unworthy, unloved or undervalued. If you have ever felt these, then this book is for you.
Recently I read the book “My Vagina Doesn’t Do the Dishes” penned by the author Suzanne Arden. In this book, the author has mentioned how we have been programmed to leave no time for ourselves to be feminine. We believe that as women, we can do it all and we get drained trying to prove it right. Being a working woman, it is not easy to do it all by yourself. So, the author wants to suggest readers ask for help.
It’s time for women to support each other and show compassion for each other. We should support each other in building instead of tearing down.
The thought provoking questions given at the end of the chapters are amazing. I am glad to get my hands on this book. I appreciate Suzanne’s thoughts and writing style in this book.
It is an insightful book. I like to recommend it strongly to my fellow readers.
“Gone but never forgotten” is a children’s book about grief and loss penned by Pamela Rae Hughey and illustrated by Arnav Chakraborty.
Story features a boy whose father is going to his mother’s gravestone and the little boy is keen to know more about his grandmother as to how she raised his father and what she liked to do. Give a quick read to the story to know more about his grandmother and her likings. Readers will come to know what is the actual grief and loss to the family when their loved one passes away.
This is a wonderful story that I will surely share with my friends. This book is a great addition to the children’s bookshelf. The story is fast paced and exciting. Cover photo of the book is attractive and the language is lucid so kids can understand it easily. I love the message behind the story that our loved ones may be gone but will never be forgotten. I am definitely interested in reading more books by the author.
Sassy Reviews 